The 102nd Bake: Dundee Whisky Cake

Have you ever made a mistake and thought, I can’t believe that just happened. We go through life on a wish and a prayer, not anticipating mistakes and mishaps but always shocked and annoyed when they do happen. (Speaking of which I just accidentally posted the 103rd bake before this one, which I baked a week ago and is now ready to eat!!!) I went to the beach with my daughter the other day, quick trip as she had to be somewhere later. I backed up next to the curb and as we got out, she said, “you’ve punctured the tyre on the curb.” “What surely not” I thought, but lo and behold, there it was hissing air, going flat before our eyes. Turned into a quick, very annoying and expensive trip to the beach!!!

So I went to make this cake, Dundee Whisky Cake and as you can see it has Whisky in it. I knew my husband had some whisky stored in the back of the liquor cabinet so reached in and pulled out what I thought was a cheap bottle that had been sitting there forever. I was supposed to soak the fruit overnight, but thought 5 tablespoons of whisky with an extra splash for good luck soaking for a few hours would do the trick instead. He popped in while I was making the cake and said in shock “What is the gold label doing out?” I told him and he nearly fell over in explaining to me that it was a very expensive 18 year old bottle of whisky I had broken the seal on, to make a cake!!! Woops. Now that’s going to be a very expensive delicious cake!!! Another unforeseen mishap! Never mind, I’m sure he will forgive me when he gets to eat the cake. Haha. So to make this cake I first put the whisky into the fruit and mixed peel to soak!!! (yum)

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Mama’s Christmas Cake

Cake mixture divided up

dense rich cake

All set for Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

It’s that time of year again when we stay home, or up all night!  We have to, because it takes 4 hours to bake this ubiquitous Christmas cake.  This recipe has been in my family for years.  It’s so easy and fun.  It also makes a giant cake, so if you do want to divide it into two, or as I have done, use some of the mixture to make smaller ones to give away as presents, then you can have your cake and give it away too. 🙂  As you know all Christmas cakes get better with age.  Well, I am still eating this one in March if there’s any left.   So here’s the recipe, enjoy: (more…)

The 56th Bake: Hot Cross Bun Loaf

 

I went to a mother daughter breakfast at my daughter’s school. Lovely idea.  Lucy Lawless as a past pupil was the guest speaker.  She expounded about the merits of being yourself, “live brave but live authentically.”  I do like that message, and she emphasized the importance of following a career path that you love.  It got me thinking, how important it is to be exceptional in whatever you do, you owe it to yourself to shine, (more…)